Finian McGrath
Question:93. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health to support a matter regarding medical treatment in another European Union state (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8652/16]
View answerThursday, 28 April 2016
Questions (93)
Written answers
The Health Service Executive operates the EU Directive on Patients’ Rights in Cross Border Healthcare in Ireland. It is within the professional/patient relationship that the options for treatment are most appropriately discussed and advice as to where services might be sought is given, including availing of this Directive for overseas treatment within the EU/EEA. In order to inform health professionals about the Directive, the HSE has met and communicated with a number of professional bodies and organisations, such the ICGP, the Independent Hospital Association, and various voluntary hospitals and hospital groups, to inform them how their patients can access healthcare under the terms of the Directive.
The HSE also wrote to the Hospital Groups CEOs and each Hospital Chief Officer in January 2016 reminding them of the Directive and its operation. In the letter the HSE provided sample text informing patients of their rights under the Directive. The letter suggested that, as they deem appropriate, the CEOs/Chief Officers might include this information in any relevant communication to patients, e.g., waiting list letters. The HSE continues to be available to meet Groups regarding the Directive.
Under the Directive insured patients are entitled to have costs of cross-border healthcare services reimbursed if the healthcare service in question is among the benefits to which they are entitled in their Member State of affiliation. The HSE endeavours to reimburse the cost of treatment incurred or the cost of providing such healthcare in the State, whichever is the lesser, to the applicant within 30 days of receipt of a claim for reimbursement, in line with Prompt Payment legislation.
Each Member State is free to set its own payment policy for cross-border healthcare services; by means of reimbursement to the patient or by direct payment to the healthcare provider. That policy decision is a matter for each Member State under the Directive and, similar to the majority of Member States, Ireland has no plan to introduce a policy of direct payment to each healthcare service provider, both public and private, in all EU/EEA Member States for healthcare services provided by them.